Already a week has past since the earthquake. And I am happy to report that around here at least, things are slowly getting back to normal.
The clock in my Japanese room has been stopped at the time of the earthquake. The time was really 2:46 but this clock was always running fast. The battery fell out and we haven't been using the Japanese room much this week (English lessons in the kotatsu) but I put a new one in this morning.
This clock however suffered fatal injuries. My poor sewing room clock! It didn't live long in my house but it brightened the room while it did. I hope someday I find another one just like it.
Yesterday's graduation was very moving. There was one large tremor during the ceremonies and the teachers got ready to evacuate the gym but all went to completion. (Sorry about the quality of that video, I tried hard to be unobtrusive with my digital camera... Shooting against the light).
In the afternoon my neighbor called and asked if I wanted a ride to the supermarket... She has two cars filled with gas and she needed to get some things. I jumped at the chance just to get out of the house and see what is going on in the outside world. And I was so happy to find that not that much has changed in this area. The stores are busy, though only one of the two automatic doors was in operation (saving electricity). Lots and lots of fruits and vegetables and meat and fish. Milk and eggs and bread and instant product shelves were empty but the snacky aisles were well stocked. It was actually JOYFUL to wander around the store and see that there was a wonderful supply of rice, cheese, sweets, sausages and cat food. I bought tofu (that doesn't last long) and some vegetables.
Some of you wondered why the evacuation centers are handing out rice balls instead of meat, fish and vegetables. Well, for one just salted rice balls are a lot easier to make if you don't have energy. And no supplies can get into the evacuation areas yet either (though that should change from today or tomorrow), so they are living off what the self defense force has had (rice keeps if kept dry).Another question was about if there is anything quilters can do. I really don't know. I have heard that the editor of a major quilt magazine is asking for comfort quilts but I haven't confirmed that information. I'm afraid I don't have a way to get quilts to people myself but I'll try to research that.
And I was directed to an interesting and entertaining video explaining what has happened in Fukushima for children. You might find this a cheering spot in the media world... The video is in Japanese but it has English subtitles.
12 comments:
Hi Tanya,
It's good to see there is merchandise in the stores and that you are all doing so well trying to keep life as normal as possible. It is a great tribute to the Japanese people.
Thank you once again for the updates.
Hugs,
Lois
That video is so funny!
It made me laugh. Hope that your Country gets back to normal real soon and the poop doesn't happen.
Enjoyed seeing the Nuclear Boy video. So funny!!!! That is an excellent way to describe it to children!
Also, glad to see some food supplies in the store.
Be blessed in knowing that there are so many people in the USA praying for and financially giving to Japan.
Thank you for blogging and giving us a first hand account of what is happening in your town. Blessings to you and your husband. Pat McDonald
You and all of japan are in my thoughts all the time.
I am glad your life is getting back to normal. I am praying that they get that nuclear thing straightened out.
Tanya,
Thank you sharing this slice of your life with your readers. 2 years ago my son Andrew and his best buddy Dan and I toured Japan as his high school graduation gift. It was a most amazing trip! The people of Japan were so gracious and treated us so well--I wanted to send a thank you card to the whole nation. Because of the wonderful experiences we had, Japan has a special place in my heart. Your blog helps me keep everyone in my prayers. thanks, Julie in St. Louis, MO
Oh no - not your cute clock! I'm sorry to see that. I'm so, so glad though to see there's food on the shelves...
Tanya, Jojo at A Bit of This And A Bit Of That blog [she lives in Japan] is running an online auction to raise funds.
http://jojoebi.blogspot.com/ And giving updates too. I've joined in and am auctioning my Lemon Tree quilt. There are quite a number of bloggers starting efforts to either get quilts to Japan or raise funds. Which I'm very glad to see - our media is really hyping anything nuclear these days and not focusing on people who are suffering. I heard today they found a young man after 8 days, he was very weak but he was alive - a real miracle!
Thanks for the link to the video!
I'm sure things getting back to normal is relative, but it must be so comforting to see food and suppplies! As much as we humans are stimulated by learning new things, we function so much better if we have a core routine and stable basic necessities.
Your poor adorable clock! Hope you do find another one someday.
Hi Tanya, glad you found things on the shelves in the store..& that you have a kindly neighbor willing to share her car/gas with you. You would do the same for her, I know. Sorry about your lovely quilt clock; it does look beyond repair:( Be well, stay safe..hugs, Pat in IN
Aww, and we were just admiring that clock. I'm sure if it had been in the states, the snack aisle would have been the first to empty out!
I just got around to looking at the children's video and got a good laugh out of it. Thank goodness there is still something funny in the world, even if it is based on a tragedy. Now when I watch the news I keep thinking "Watch out for the poo!"
I started a search on the internet for a clock like your broken sewing room clock but no luck so far. Too bad it broke. I'll keep looking and let you know. It's so cute, I might want one too for my laundry.
So good to see the shelves are re-stocked.
Post a Comment